To Lea and the entire Rutherford family, we express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Dave. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We were honoured to have known him and we hope for the family that your memories bring you comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Sincere condolences Lee and family.

Dear Karen and Larry. I hadn’t met David, but after reading his obituary I believe he was a man of courage, strength, resilience and fun- someone I would have liked to know. My sincerest condolences at the loss of David, and please know that my prayers for you and your family are filled with the hope that you find peace in knowing that David is probably whistling a great chorus with the angels in heaven. God bless you as you grieve your loss. Patricia

Dear Lea and family….
Sending sincere condolences at this sad time as I think of David as a fellow classmate at Vellore School, as a choir member at St. Paul’s and as a kind gentleman to my mother and indeed to all who knew him in recent years.
Know that you are loved and may David rest peacefully.

Sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Always enjoyed his visits in the summer when at their cottage on manitoulin island. RIP dave!
Deb and Duncan macDonald

David will be missed dearly.
David loved his local heritage as his family had deep roots in Vaughan. He was involved in the farm community, the Woodbridge Fair as well as Kleinburg’s Binder Twine Festival. He once said about Kleinburg there was no other place in the world where Big Names of the City and of Canada mingle so affectionately as one of us.
He is remembered as a dedicated teacher who took students on weekend trips on his spare time. His interactions with students was remarkable as he could deal with difficult students with enviable patience.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his loving family. Carole and Paul

Deepest sympathies to Lea, Chris, James, Becky, and Audrey. May the memories of Dave comfort you through your sorrows. Dave was very active and dedicated some time in the program with Cooperation with the Professional Community I remember that he enjoyed volunteering. He was happy to show the ropes to Dan who took over for him. He truly was a character during Christmas at Woodbridge wearing his Christmas hat, fancy tie with lights and his great big smile. And we cannot forget those amazing butter tarts he made. He will be missed. We are happy that we had the pleasure of meeting and mingling with Dave.

May God bless you and your family as you mourn your loss,
Deirdre and Robert Bean

Condolences to the Rutherford family. Fond memories from High School.

Dear Lea and Family
Prior to the onset of the Pandemic ,I enjoyed visiting with David at the Wellness Centre Gym. We would share updates about mutual acquaintances and the Rutherford /Stewart /Black Clans .David would always share history I may not have heard. I had genuine respect for his many interests .
My condolences to your family and the many relatives I have been priviledged to know.
Murray Stewart

Sincere sympathy to the family of David Rutherford. My thoughts of David go way back to Vellore Public School, Sunday School and choir at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Vaughan. I remember his father Albert, mother Velma and sister Karen also as being such a vital family in the community of Vellore. Rest in Peace David, you will be sorely missed.

Sincere sympathy to Lea and family. The Rutherford family were well connected to Vellore. His parents Albert and Velma were good friends of my parents (Fred and Bessie Constable.). David was one of us ‘kids’ all through a great one room school house at Vellore and also a part of Sunday school and choir at St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. With lots of happy memories and blessings to all your families.

Dear Lea, James, Becky, Audrey, Chris, Karen, Larry and all other loved ones.

We send you our heartfelt condolences.

John has many memorable moments of David, like the time when they were young boys and David led him trudging through miles of neighbouring fields with knee high deep snow, which was exhausting, and then going airborne as they tobogganed down Evans Hill. Those memories include witnessing David ‘s “Mischief Maker” antics in his young adult years, David helping on the McNeil farm, and assisting David with the annual St. Paul’s Easter Brunch. David always seemed to make everything look easy.

We will also forever be touched by and appreciate all that David contributed to St. Paul’s Church. All his efforts and work to care for the building and the congregation provided a place of immense importance to us, to the community and all who attended.

His commitment to St. Paul’s, his sobriety and his dedication to help others reach sobriety are inspiring.

You are in our prayers and thoughts, and we hope your memories will bring you comfort.

John and Letty McNeil and family

The McKinnon (Graham) family mourn the loss of a great cousin with whom we shared many memories, dating back to the adventures at the Rutherford cottage all those many years ago. We note his dedication to his family and his other cousins. There were his civic and masonic contributions that defined the man. Despite his failing health, his conversations with us were always positive. We shall miss him and we know that his family will revere the countless memorable hours they shared with him.

Lea and family,

While reading The Star today, I learned of your loss. David and John will be having a great time reminiscing about their days together. Cherish all the great memories of the good times you shared with David.

Lea, it would be wonderful to get together some time.
Sincere sympathies,
Kathy Peace

Kathy Peace

Hoping for peace and acceptance of this great loss. We are behind the family and stand ready if there is anything we can do to help. Kathy and Don Lea, Nobleford, AB

Our condolences to Lea and family. I taught at Huron Heights ss With Dave for many years..I not only admired his professionalism but his ability to needle the administration. Dave and family spent the summers on manitoulin island as Penny and I did. Dave and I spent many days on the manitowaning golf course. He always won. May he rest in peace

Condolences to Lea ,MaryAnne,John and Families
Sorry, Lea, to hear of David’s passing
Always enjoyed your family visits at Wee Point in the summer season while you all where at your cottage on Manitou
David was always eager to get the boat in the waters of Manitou first trip to their cottage each Spring
But took time for a chat and reminiscing of time on Manitoulin .
Rest In Peace,David,You will be dearly missed

I was very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I had the pleasure of traveling with Dave on a number of occasions to play golf in West Virginia and Hilton Head. Dave always enjoyed a joke and the camaraderie of a bunch of guys having a good time together. He was an excellent teacher and coach. A very avid supporter of inter school athletics. His support of Alpine Skiing and Track and Field at the OFSSA level contributed significantly to the success of the events.

He will be sadly missed by his many friends and students. Rest In Peace.

Lea, James and Chris,

Sending you lots of love and support during this difficult time. I have such wonderful family memories with all of you and cherish those.

Love,
Brianna, Dave, Alexa & Malia

Lea & family,

Attending UofT led us to a wonderful 59 year friendship of canoeing, golfing, chalet sharing, skiing, camping and recently just spending time together. Our family connection over these years has provided us with such a rich history and cherished memories.

Rest in peace, our dear friend.
Doug & Maureen

It was sad to hear of David’s passing. Ruds and i were colleagues at Huron Heights for many years. He was always interesting (whistling included) and he will be remembered fondly by the staff and the students whom he taught and coached in the many roles he took on.
During his career, David occasionally found the need to Poke The Bear when he thought someone had overstepped. Was he the famous “Red Pen” of Huron lore? We will never know.
Now , I imagine , somewhere, Dave and his friend Bob Morrow are once again playing pranks on each other and having great fun.
My sincere condolences to you, Lea and to your family on the loss of this good man.

Dear Lea and family,
Dave and I both taught at Bayview Secondary (1970-72) and Huron Heights (1986-1991) and he was definitely a “presence”. But I have a blood connection with you, Lea, and remember a visit to the Manitoulin cottage in the 1950s with my parents and siblings. You had an amazing dog who would dive off the dock right after your dad! John and I send our sympathy to all of you. May great memories of a wonderful man give you all comfort in the tough days ahead.

We are very sorry to hear about the loss of this great man.
Our deepest condolences to Lea and family.
I am very happy that I got to chat with David just before Xmas when he called Jim.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies to you Lea and family. The great memories will help you to deal with this difficult time.

Al and Laure

My sincere condolences to Lea and family. I feel so fortunate to have met David. As one of his Homecare Respiratory Therapists, I loved my visits with David. We would get side tracked in conversation about life. David gave me some great advise on raising my son. My visits were sweetened by his delicious butter tarts. Lea and David made me feel right at home and I thank them both. David, I will miss you. XO

I had the pleasure of teaching with Dave at Huron Heights for over 20 years and was hired by Dave for my first teaching assignment at summer school in the summer of 1986. Although he was known to ‘ruffle the odd administrative feather’, David’s commitment to the welfare of students and fellow staff at Huron was unmistakeable.

A man immensely passionate about everything he did, whether it be teaching, coaching, helping out in the community or making mischief, he will be deeply missed.

My condolences to Lea and family. I worked with Dave for over 30 years and he was a mischief maker but when things were tough you could always count on Dave. He was a great colleague and l know he will be missed.

Although I didn’t know Mr. Rutherford personally we both shared a friend in Bill W.
Thank you for adding his 30 years of sobriety to his list of accomplishments.
No doubt a full and happy life.

“Mr. Rutherford” was my teacher and coach in my last few years at Huron Heights 1973-1975. He had a really positive impact on my life and I have reflected on his influence countless times over the years. His kindness, generosity of time and his ability to motivate I have tried to model in my own life since then. My deepest condolences to Lea, his family and friends. RIP Dave.

Lea and family, I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a wonderful man. I couldn’t ask for better neighbours. We call him Dr Dave and he helped me with so many of my sports or even gardening injuries. I will always remember that grin on his face while he bandaged me up or gave me heck of whatever I was doing to get injured.
He never ever complained about what he was going through and he always maintained his amazing sense of humour! He was always concerned about others too.
Lea and your family, I am sending you love and peace, Jill
RIP David

Dear Lea and family and Karen and family,

I am so sorry to learn of David’s passing.
My family has had a long relationship with David’s family, dating back to 1953, when his father sponsored my parents to Canada.
David shared many of his father’s traits – his kindness, respect and his sense of humor will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace David.

Sending my love and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Harmina

My sincere sympathy to Lea and family, and Karen and family on David’s passing. He was a man of dedication, compassion and integrity with his family, friends and community. He and I spent 12 of our 13 years of school in the same classroom. In grade one, we were married as Jack and Jill. We were together in sports activities, Sunday School, choir and election campaigns for his Dad. He was responsible for my nickname, Fred.
I regret that I can’t be there to celebrate his life.
Breathe easily David!

Dave was a born teacher and motivator. His cheerful can do attitude inspired my whole family to show up year after year to help with Olde Tyme activities at Bindertwine. I had no experience spitting watermelon yet was convinced to run the spitting contest for many years. Dave taught my kids to saw, drive nails, and walk on stilts. Better yet, he inspired them to teach younger children to join in the fun. My late husband helped in the set up. Even after we left Kleinburg, our family showed up to help Dave out because we were so fond of him. Great guy, great memories. A am so sorry for your loss Lea and I regret I can not make it to the service. God bless.

Sending a message of condolence to the family of David Rutherford . We are thinking of you at at this time of terrible loss. May your wonderful memories keep him living in your hearts.

Dear Lea, James, Chris and family members,

My sincere condolences to all of you at this time. I worked with Dave for only six years, but we maintained our collegial connection, right up until last June. Recently I attended my university reunion, where one guest speaker, Professor Tarnopolsky, a former student, attributed his OAC physiology teacher for inspiration and success in his chosen field of science, athletics and medicine. I just had to pass this highest compliment on to David. I was so happy to hear that they subsequently reconnected.

I knew Dave had been ill but the last couple of times we chatted, he was ever so positive about enjoying life despite the trials. I truly enjoyed teaching with him and was so proud for him as he developed that new physiology course. Equally, I truly enjoyed hearing your father brag about you James and Chris, and of your dear mother Lea. My heart goes out to all of you in your loss, and hope that the memories of David will bring you some measure of comfort.

Unfortunately I am unable to attend the Celebration of Life. Please trust that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

Dear Lea & family; Karen & family. Please accept my condolences. I will remember David always as our neighbour next-door when Vellore had a one room school, gravel roads & farmers. I remember David as Superintendent of the Sunday School, choir mate & then defender & champion of St. Pauls. David was a very special person. Thank you David. Peace be with you.
Catherine McNeil.

Dear Lea and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. Rick enjoyed the phone calls in these last years and was always uplifted by Dave’s positive attitude and the reminiscing about the times at U of T and the cottage. We are sorry that we can’t be there for the service but will join you through the streaming.
Sending our love and deepest sympathy to you all,
Betty and Rick

As an old neighbour we extend our condolences to Lea & Karen & families. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the services.

Dear Lea and Family

We offer our sympathy and condolences in David’s passing.
The Rutherfords were a support to all of us who lived in Kleinburg and worked on the Bindertwine Festival. Watermelon seed spitting was David’s event and the after party for volunteers.. David always made butter tarts and manned the grill for steaks where my David often helped out.
His love of the Manitoulin and the life he lived with Lea and extended family in the summer was often part of our conversation as around the corner neighbours while we lived in Kleinburg.
David was so proud of Lea and James and Chris and a proud grandfather to Audrey.
Our thoughts are with you and your extended family.
Sherry and Jenn

My deepest condolences to you and for your family James. I’m sorry I am not able to make it to the visitation today but my thoughts will be with you and your family. May the memory of your father be a bright light upon this tough day. All the best, stay strong.

fEB 3, 2023
Want to share Cheryle’s above condolences and sympathies, remembering also the handsome puppy dog.
David and Lea were missed.
Bea Parkes, next-door friend on Camlaren Cresc., Kleinburg.

Dave & I taught at Huron for almost 30 years. He was one of the most talented people I ever met. If Dave felt you had the best interests of the students as your first priority he was an extremely supportive colleague. But Dave did not suffer fools gladly which led him to some interesting confrontations with administrators. One of my fondest memories of working with Dave was heading up the 40 year reunion committee with Dave & Wendy Gillcrist. While I won’t be at Dave’s celebration of life in person my thoughts will be there with Dave, Lea & their sons.

To the Rutherford Family;

I had the privilege of being a student of Mr. Rutherford’s 1974 Grad 9 phys.ed class at Huron Heights Secondary School in Newmarket. He was a task master who seemed to enjoy inflicting pain on his students during his pre-class calisthenics however he did manage to get us in peak condition!
However in Grade 12, he strongly encouraged me to take his Physiology course in Grade 13 to prep me for my first year of Phys.Ed. at the University of Toronto. It was a very challenging course however it’s benefits greatly assisted me in my first year at U of T.
I last met Mr. Rutherford in 2007 while on duty at the Markham York Regional Police Station as he was teaching First Aid/CPR in the Community Room. We spent an hour or so afterwards reminiscing about the Huron Heights days, skiing, basketball and anything else that stumbled into our conversation.
Mr. Rutherford was very “matter of fact”, you always knew where you stood with him and he did not put up with any Tom Foolery, to which I had a great amount of respect for these qualities in his character. He walked with a purpose while flicking a pencil in one hand, carrying a clip board in the other whilest sporting a pencil above his ear. His whistling was infectious and laughter contagious.
I truly hope the many stories of all those whom he touched throughout his life, will help you through this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Peter Jelley

Rest in peace Scouter Dave.

Scouter Dave was an essential part in my love of the outdoors. Hiking, canoeing and even a trip to the Canadian Scouting Jamboree in the Rockies. Many skills he taught me I still use to this day and pass on to others.

Sadly, I will not be able to attend.

My condolences to the Rutherford family, Mrs Rutherford, James & Chris my thoughts are with all of you.

John & Angela Harpur

Dear Lea and family,
So sorry for your loss and sincere sympathy. I knew Dave at Camp Richildaca years ago and can remember him taking me and my X-Kel Tonner to the cottage at Buckhorn where he taught me how to water ski. He would always stand up in the convertible and yell ‘Yellverton’ when we went through the town. His energy and zest for life got me laughing. He was in our wedding and I am sorry we lost touch over the years. So many wonderful memories. Rest in peace Dave!